What are saccadic movements?

Saccadic movements refer to the quick, simultaneous shifts of both eyes between two or more fixation points. This type of eye movement allows for the rapid repositioning of the gaze, enabling an individual to quickly scan their visual environment, read text, or follow moving objects. Saccades occur reflexively and are typically very fast, often lasting just a fraction of a second.

The other types of movements mentioned, such as gradual tracking movements or sustained eye movements, are not classified as saccadic. Gradual tracking movements are slower and involve following a moving target smoothly, while sustained eye movements help maintain focus on a specific object over a longer period. Movements related to depth perception are also distinct, as depth perception relies more on the brain's processing of visual input, rather than the type of eye movement being executed. Thus, the definition provided aligns perfectly with the characterization of saccadic movements.